Methods and uses for improved sowing of seeds

ABSTRACT

Methods and uses of controlling the flowability of a population of plant seeds and dust drift therefrom by placing individual seeds in contact with particles of a flowability enhancing agent that is made up of at least one species of wax that adheres more firmly to the said plant seeds than a compound or composition that comprises a substance that is or includes a mineral earth component.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 14/375,361 filed Jul. 29,2014, claiming priority based on International Application No.PCT/GB2013/000153 filed Apr. 3, 2013, claiming priority based on BritishPatent Application Nos. 1206138.8, 1206139.6, 1206141.2, 1206142.0,1206143.8, and 1206144.6 filed Apr. 4, 2012, the contents of all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to improvements in methods of controllingseed flowability and dust drift, uses of formulations or compositionsfor controlling flowability and dust drift, and improved methods ofsowing seed. In particular, the present invention relates toimprovements in methods of enhancing seed flowability and controllingdust drift, uses of formulations or compositions for enhancingflowability and controlling dust drift and improved methods of sowingseed wherein dust drift is decreased.

There exist problems associated with the sowing of seed usingconventional sowing equipment, such as dust drift and seed flowability.‘Dust drift’ is a term of the art and relates to inter alia frictionalerosion between seeds causing the loss of elements of the seed coat perse through the rubbing together of seeds during haulage and storagemovement which results in a dust made up inter alia of very small partsof the seed coat. The damage caused by friction to the seeds causes aloss of viability to a significant fraction of the seeds in any onebatch which in turn leads to agronomic losses. The generated dust islost to the environment through wind dispersal when seeds are loadedinto seed planters and during planting operations from commercialplanting machinery, and the like. Other forms of dust making up dustdrift occur when prior-coated or prior-pelleted seed is subject tohaulage and storage where again, damage caused by frictional erosionwithin seed masses leads to the formation of dust that gets into theenvironment. Coated or pelleted seed generally includes active agentssuch as pesticides and/or fertilisers and in these forms dust loadedwith such active agents gets into the environment and can be spread farand wide. Indeed, it is known that dust drift that contains pesticidesis responsible for harming and killing social insect populationsbeneficial to man, such as domesticated bee populations. Dust drift isalso thought to be responsible inter alia for the rise in the number ofcases of asthma and other respiratory diseases in humans and issuspected of contributing to a rise in incidence of certain cancers.

For the purposes of the present invention, “Seed flowability” relates tothe ability of individual seeds in a seed population to flow or slidepast each other. The ease of seed flowability is important in manysituations such as in the use of conventional seed sowing equipment andin the use of seed storage equipment. The greater the degree of ease offlowability of seed means that seed flow can be controlled better and sogermination losses due to damage to the seed coat or due to seedclumping causing blockages in conventional sowing equipment can beminimised. Conventional crop seed typically uses a mineral earthcomponent such as talc, diatomaceous earth or kaolin as a drying agentwhich also acts as a flowability agent, however, such mineral earthcomponents tend to detach from plant seeds over time. Furthermore, suchdrying agents tend to cause clumping of seeds within the seed mass andas a result the clumping of seed gives rise to blockages in sowingequipment, making the sowing process less efficient. Furthermore, plantseed coating compositions tend to be added to plant seeds in the form ofwet slurry which then requires drying either through the application ofheat and/or the addition of further mineral earth components such astalc, kaolin or diatomaceous earth. Either way, the finished coated seedproduct is subjected to frictional forces during haulage, storage andsowing which results in the added seed coatings being damaged and socontributes to clumping of the seeds and concomitant losses ingermination efficiency.

Commercial preparations of coated seeds such as Poncho® (Bayer)comprising pesticides are available that are alleged to be free flowingbut such preparations tend to have complex coatings that inter alia makeuse of several polymer layers and other components that are expensive toproduce.

There exists a need to provide seeds for planting that have improvedflowability and improved dust drift control over conventional seeds.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method ofcontrolling the flowability of plant seeds by placing the plant seeds ofa mass of seeds in contact with dry free flowing particles of aflowability enhancing agent that is made up of at least one species ofelectret particle made up of a wax, wherein the electret particleadheres more firmly to the plant seeds than do particles that comprise adry free flowing substance that is or includes a mineral earthcomponent.

Typically, the control of flowability of a population of plant seeds isenhanced, that is to say, the seeds are more free-flowing thanconventional plant seed populations, and exhibit reduced clumping ofseeds within the seed mass than conventional plant seed populations.

The plant seeds, whether pre-coated or coated with other polymers oruncoated, are placed in contact with a the flowability enhancing agentin powdered form. The flowability enhancing agent is made up of electretparticles made up of a wax material as herein defined, and does notcontain other flowability agents such as particles comprising inorganicmaterials such as mineral earths, such as kaolin, diatomaceous earth,talc and the like.

Reference to “seed” and “seeds” is used interchangeably herein and meansplant seeds selected from fodder and forage plant seeds, cereal seeds,cotton seeds, legume plant seeds, maize seeds, and field crop plantseeds, typically such seeds are viable seeds, to which compositions ofuse in the invention may be applied. Plant seed as provided herein meansseeds that are capable of germinating to at least conventional levels ofgermination typical of the relevant plant species under consideration.Thus, a plant seed of use in a method or use of the invention is onethat may be grown for industrial purposes, human and/or domesticatedfarm animal consumption.

Thus, for the purposes of the present invention it is to be understoodthat the term “seed” or “seeds” herein refers to seeds produced fromplants that are of commercial importance.

Cereal seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use in theinvention include seeds of rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum spp.such as T. aestivum) including species such as spelt (T. spelta),einkorn (T. monococcum), emmer (T. dicoccum) and durum (T. durum),barley (Hordeum vulgare) including two row and six row barley, sorghum(Sorghum bicolor), millet species such as pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), proso millet (Panicummiliaceum) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana), oats (Avena sativa),rye (Secale cereale), Triticale (x Triticosecale), buckwheat (Fagopyrumesculentum).

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “cotton plant seed” refers to commercially used seeds of thefamily Malvaceae, typically Gossypium seeds which are collectivelyreferred to herein as “cotton plant seeds” unless context demandsotherwise. Cotton seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use inthe invention include cotton seeds of the family Malvaceae and includerepresentative species such as Gossypium hirsutum (90% of world cottonproduction), Gossypium barbadense (8% of world cotton production), andGossypium arboreum (2% of world cotton production).

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “legume plant seed” refers to seeds of leguminous plants.Legume plant seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use in theinvention include seeds of legume species of the family Fabaceae thatincludes species such as Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Austrian winter pea(Pisum sativum), Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), Black medic(Medicago lupulina), Chickling vetch/pea (Lathyrus sativus) Cowpea(Vigna unguiculata), Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), Field peas(Pisum sativum subsp. arvense), Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), Horse beans(Vicia faba), Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum), Mung beans (Vignaradiate), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Soya beans (Glycine max),Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), Sunn hemp (Crotalariajuncea L), White clover (Trifolium repens), White sweet clover(Melilotus alba), Woolypod vetch (Vicia villosa ssp. dasycarpa), Yellowsweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), Adzuki bean, (Vigna angularis,syn.: Phaseolus angularis), Broad bean (V. faba var. major), field bean(Vicia faba), Vetch (Vicia sativa), Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris),including green beans, runner beans, haricot beans and the like, Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), Guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Hyacinthbean (Dolichos lablab), Lentil (Lens culinaris), Lima bean (Phaseoluslunatus), Lupin (Lupinus spp.), Mung bean (Vigna radiata, syn.:Phaseolus aureus), Pea (Pisum sativum), Peanut (Arachis hypogaea),Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) and thelike.

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “maize seed” refers to any kind of maize seed from a Zea maysplant that is for food-related production or other industrial purposesuch as starch production, bio-fuel manufacture, typically ethanolmanufacture, animal fodder production and the like. Examples of Zea maysvarieties used in industry include flour corn (Zea mays var. Amylacea);popcorn used as a food and in packaging materials (Zea mays var. Evert);flint corn used for hominy production (Zea mays var. Indurata); sweetcorn used as a food (Zea mays var. saccharata and Zea mays var. Rugosa);Waxy corn used in producing food thickening agents, in the preparationof certain frozen foods, and in the adhesive industry (Zea mays var.Ceratina); Amylomaize maiz used in the production of biodegradeableplastics (Zea mays); and striped maize used as an ornamental (Zea maysvar. Japonica).

Maize is also known as “corn” and these two terms may be usedinterchangeably unless context demands otherwise.

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “field crop plant seed” refers to “oilseeds” and “vegetableseeds” which are collectively referred to herein as “field crop plantseeds” unless context demands otherwise.

Field crop plant seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use inthe invention include oil seeds of the Crucifer family such as canola(B. campestris) and oilseed rape (B. napus); seeds of other Cruciferplant species including those of plants of the B. oleraceae such asseeds of types of cabbages, broccolis, cauliflowers, kales, Brusselssprouts, and kohlrabis; seeds of alliums including onion, leek andgarlic. Other field crop plant seeds suitable for coating withcompositions of use in methods of, and in uses of the invention includecapsicums, tomatoes, cucurbits such as cucumbers, cantaloupes, summersquashes, pumpkins, butternut squashes, tropical pumpkins, calabazas,winter squashes, watermelons, lettuces, zucchinis (courgettes),aubergines, carrots, parsnips, swedes, turnips, sugar beet, celeriacs,Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, bok choi, celery, Chinese cabbage,horse radish, musk melons, parsley, radish, spinach, beetroot for tableconsumption, linseed, sunflower, safflower, sesame, carob, coriander,mustard, grape, flax, dika, hemp, okra, poppy, castor, jojoba and thelike.

Fodder crop plant seed of use in a method or use of the invention isseed that may be grown as a stock feed for further processing such as inbio-fuel production, processed animal feed production, field plantingfor farm animal consumption and the like.

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “fodder crop plant seed” refers to fodder crop plant seedssuitable for coating with compositions of use in the invention andincludes species of the Poaceae, including Lolium spp such as ItalianRyegrass, Hybrid Ryegrass, and rye grasses such as perennial ryegrass(Lolium perenne); Festuca species such as red fescue, fescue, meadowfescue, Tall fescue, Lucerne Fescue, and the forage herbs such aschicory, Sheep's Burnett, Ribgrass (aka Robwort Plantain), Sainfoin,Yarrow, Sheep's Parsley and the like.

A flowability enhancing agent is made up of electret particles and isone that reduces the level of clumping in a seed population, such as abatch of seeds that is destined for sowing. Suitable flowabilityenhancement agents of use in the invention are waxes selected fromnatural, synthetic and mineral waxes. Typically, waxes of use asflowability enhancing agents in the invention have a melting temperatureof ≧40° C., depending on design. Preferably, waxes of use in theinvention include waxes having a melting point of preferably ≧50° C.,and most preferably are made up of so-called hard waxes having a meltingpoint of ≧70° C. Examples of natural waxes of use in the presentinvention include carnauba wax, beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax,spermaceti wax, myricyl palmitate, cetyl palmitate, candelilla wax,castor wax, ouricury wax, wool wax, sugar cane wax, retamo wax, ricebran wax and the like.

Synthetic waxes of use as flowability enhancing agents in the presentinvention include suitable waxes selected from paraffin wax,microcrystalline wax, Polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes,substituted amide waxes, polymerized α-olefins and the like.

Mineral waxes of use as flowability enhancing agents in the inventioninclude montan wax (e.g. Lumax® Bayer) ceresin wax, ozocerite, peat waxand the like. More preferably, the wax of use in the method of theinvention comprises at least one species of wax selected from carnaubawax, montan wax, and paraffin wax or a mixture of two or more thereof.

The particles of flowability enhancing agent are added as a powder toplant seeds as a formulation of dry particles, preferably of anappropriate known volume mean diameter for the seed type to which theformulation is being added. The plant seeds may comprise pre-coatedseed, partially coated seed or untreated seed, that is to say, nakedseed to which a coating formulation or coating composition has not beenapplied prior to the addition of the flowability enhancing agent.Preferably, the flowability enhancing agent is added to a mass of plantseeds that is made up of untreated seed. The flowability enhancing agentin the form of dry particulates is simply admixed into the mass of seedswhich is then gently agitated or stirred until the mixing is completeand the seeds are observed to be free flowing. The size of the particlesof flowability enhancing agent typically have a volume mean diameter ofany conventional size, such as up to 200 μm, preferably from 10-100 μm,and most preferably from 10-50 μm depending on the type and size ofplant seed that the particles are being applied to. Generally, theparticles of use in the invention possess a volume mean diameter of ≧10μm, such as in the range of from ≧10 μm to 200 μm, for example from ≧10μm to 100 μm; or from ≧10 μm to 40 μm; or from ≧10 μm to 30 μm or anydesired volume mean diameter value in between. Preferably, dry powderformulations or compositions of the invention comprise particles havinga volume mean diameter of 10 μm, for example of 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13μm, 14 μm, 15 μm and the like up to any volume mean diameter of choice,such as up to 200 μm or any volume mean diameter in between for example40 μm or 30 μm. In one preferment, compositions of the inventioncomprise electret particles having a volume mean diameter of from about12 μm to 200 μm. One advantage of such formulations or compositions ofthe invention is that they are observed to limit dust drift from theseeds. A further advantage is that are also considered to be less of athoracic hazard to humans and are not thought to be allergenic.

Preferably still, the flowability enhancing agent typically does notinclude added further components such as added UV blockers or addedantioxidants or the like. The flowability enhancing agent of use in thepresent invention may be made up of a mixture of one or more waxes ofuse in the invention in dry powder form that have a melting point at orabove 40° Centigrade as herein described. Suitable mixtures of waxes mayinclude any combination of two or more waxees selected from natural,synthetic, and mineral waxes, such as, carnauba wax and montan wax;montan wax and paraffin wax; carnauba wax and montan wax; and the like.Alternatively, the particles of wax used as flowability enhancing agentsof use in the invention may be made out of two or more waxes throughmelting and then mixing together in the molten state. Once the moltenstate cools down and solidifies, the resulting composite block may bebroken up and kibbled and comminuted to size conventionally as outlinedherein below. In a further alternative, particles of use in theinvention may be made by compressing two or more sets of particles orsheets of flowability enhancing agents together, forming a compositestructure or block that may then be broken up and kibbled and comminutedto size before being applied to a seed mass. Thus, flowability enhancingagents of use in the invention may be applied as a coating compositionto plant seeds by

-   i) obtaining organic material as a dry powder formulation of    separate particles of a pre-determined VMD; and-   ii) applying the said population of particles to plant seeds.

The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the pre-determined VMDwill be appropriate to the plant seed to which the coating is to beapplied.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that a method of coating a plantseed with a coating composition that comprises a flowability enhancingagent of use in the invention, typically comprises

-   i) obtaining at least one flowability enhancing agent suitable for    coating plant seeds;-   ii) heating the flowability enhancing agent so as to form a liquid    phase or a gaseous phase;-   iii) cooling the liquid phase or gaseous phase of ii) to below the    melting point of the flowability enhancing agent, forming a solid;-   iv) machining the solid flowability enhancing agent of step iii)    into particles of a pre-determined VMD as herein defined; and-   v) applying the particles of iv) to plant seeds.

“Plant seeds” and “plant seed” is used interchangeably herein and meansplant seeds selected from fodder and forage plant seeds, cereal seeds,cotton seeds, legume plant seeds, maize seeds, and field crop plantseeds, typically such seeds are viable seeds, to which formulations orcompositions of use in the invention may be applied. Depending ondesign, the plant seeds may be viable (e.g. for planting purposes), ornot viable (for example, after washing for use in beer or lagerproduction; for milling into flour, or as feedstock for other industrialprocesses). Preferably, plant seed as provided herein means seeds thatare capable of germinating to at least conventional levels ofgermination typical of the relevant plant species under consideration.Thus, a plant seed of use in a method or use of the invention is onethat may be grown for industrial purposes, including seed production,human and/or domesticated farm animal consumption.

Thus, for the purposes of the present invention it is to be understoodthat the term “seed” or “seeds” herein refers to seeds produced fromplants that are of commercial importance.

Cereal seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use in theinvention include seeds of rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum spp.such as T. aestivum) including species such as spelt (T. spelta),einkorn (T. monococcum), emmer (T. dicoccum) and durum (T. durum),barley (Hordeum vulgare) including two row and six row barley, sorghum(Sorghum bicolor), millet species such as pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), proso millet (Panicummiliaceum) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana), oats (Avena sativa),rye (Secale cereale), Triticale (x Triticosecale), buckwheat (Fagopyrumesculentum).

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “cotton plant seed” refers to commercially used seeds of thefamily Malvaceae, typically Gossypium seeds which are collectivelyreferred to herein as “cotton plant seeds” unless context demandsotherwise. Cotton seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use inthe invention include cotton seeds of the family Malvaceae and includerepresentative Gossypium spp., such as Gossypium hirsutum (90% of worldcotton production), Gossypium barbadense (8% of world cottonproduction), and Gossypium arboreum (2% of world cotton production).

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “legume plant seed” refers to seeds of leguminous plants.Legume plant seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use in theinvention include seeds of legume species of the family Fabaceae thatincludes species such as Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Austrian winter pea(Pisum sativum), Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), Black medic(Medicago lupulina), Chickling vetch/pea (Lathyrus sativus) Cowpea(Vigna unguiculata), Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), Field peas(Pisum sativum subsp. arvense), Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), Horse beans(Vicia faba), Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum), Mung beans (Vignaradiate), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Soya beans (Glycine max),Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), Sunn hemp (Crotalariajuncea L), White clover (Trifolium repens), White sweet clover(Melilotus alba), Woolypod vetch (Vicia villosa ssp. dasycarpa), Yellowsweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), Adzuki bean, (Vigna angularis,syn.: Phaseolus angularis), Broad bean (V. faba var. major), field bean(Vicia faba), Vetch (Vicia sativa), Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris),including green beans, runner beans, haricot beans and the like, Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), Guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Hyacinthbean (Dolichos lablab), Lentil (Lens culinaris), Lima bean (Phaseoluslunatus), Lupin (Lupinus spp.), Mung bean (Vigna radiata, syn.:Phaseolus aureus), Pea (Pisum sativum), Peanut (Arachis hypogaea),Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) and thelike.

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “maize seed” refers to any kind of maize seed from a Zea maysplant that is for food-related production or other industrial purposesuch as starch production, bio-fuel manufacture, typically ethanolmanufacture, animal fodder production and the like. Examples of Zea maysvarieties used in industry include flour corn (Zea mays var. Amylacea);popcorn used as a food and in packaging materials (Zea mays var. Evert);flint corn used for hominy production (Zea mays var. Indurate); sweetcorn used as a food (Zea mays var. saccharata and Zea mays var. Rugosa);Waxy corn used in producing food thickening agents, in the preparationof certain frozen foods, and in the adhesive industry (Zea mays var.Ceratina); Amylomaize maiz used in the production of biodegradeableplastics (Zea mays); and striped maize used as an ornamental (Zea maysvar. Japonica).

Maize is also known as “corn” and these two terms may be usedinterchangeably unless context demands otherwise.

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “field crop plant seed” refers to “oilseeds” and “vegetableseeds” which are collectively referred to herein as “field crop plantseeds” unless context demands otherwise.

Field crop plant seeds suitable for coating with compositions of use inthe invention include oil seeds of the Crucifer family such as canola(B. campestris) and oilseed rape (B. napus); seeds of other Cruciferplant species including those of plants of the B. oleraceae such asseeds of types of cabbages, broccolis, cauliflowers, kales, Brusselssprouts, and kohlrabis; seeds of alliums including onion, leek andgarlic. Other field crop plant seeds suitable for coating withcompositions of use in methods of, and in uses of the invention includecapsicums, tomatoes, cucurbits such as cucumbers, cantaloupes, summersquashes, pumpkins, butternut squashes, tropical pumpkins, calabazas,winter squashes, watermelons, lettuces, zucchinis (courgettes),aubergines, carrots, parsnips, swedes, turnips, sugar beet, celeriacs,Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, bok choi, celery, Chinese cabbage,horse radish, musk melons, parsley, radish, spinach, beetroot for tableconsumption, linseed, sunflower, safflower, sesame, carob, coriander,mustard, grape, flax, dika, hemp, okra, poppy, castor, jojoba and thelike.

Fodder crop plant seed of use in a method or use of the invention isseed that may be grown as a stock feed for further processing such as inbio-fuel production, processed animal feed production, field plantingfor farm animal consumption and the like.

For the purposes of the present invention it is to be understood thatthe term “fodder crop plant seed” refers to fodder crop plant seedssuitable for coating with compositions of use in the invention andincludes species of the Poaceae, including Lolium spp such as ItalianRyegrass, Hybrid Ryegrass, and rye grasses such as perennial ryegrass(Lolium perenne); Festuca spp. such as red fescue, fescue, meadowfescue, Tall fescue, Lucerne Fescue, and the forage herbs such aschicory, Sheep's Burnett, Ribgrass (aka Robwort Plantain), Sainfoin,Yarrow, Sheep's Parsley and the like.

The flowability enhancing agent is made up of electret particles and isone that reduces the level of clumping in a seed population, such as abatch of seeds that is destined for sowing. Suitable flowabilityenhancement agents of use in the invention are waxes selected fromnatural, synthetic and mineral waxes. Typically, waxes of use asflowability enhancing agents in the invention have a melting temperatureof ≧40° C., depending on design. Preferably, waxes of use in theinvention include waxes having a melting point of preferably ≧50° C.,and most preferably are made up of so-called hard waxes having a meltingpoint of ≧70° C. Examples of natural waxes of use in the presentinvention include carnauba wax, beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax,spermaceti wax, myricyl palmitate, cetyl palmitate, candelilla wax,castor wax, ouricury wax, wool wax, sugar cane wax, retamo wax, ricebran wax and the like.

Synthetic waxes of use as flowability enhancing agents in the presentinvention include suitable waxes selected from paraffin wax,microcrystalline wax, Polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes,substituted amide waxes, polymerized α-olefins and the like.

Mineral waxes of use as flowability enhancing agents in the inventioninclude montan wax (e.g. Luwax® Bayer) ceresin wax, ozocerite, peat waxand the like.

The flowability enhancing agent of use in the invention may comprise oneor more waxes as herein defined. Preferably, the wax is selected frommontan wax, paraffin wax and carnauba wax. Most preferably the wax ofchoice is carnauba wax. Where two or more waxes of use in the inventionare employed as the flowability enhancing agent in a seed coatingcomposition of use in the invention they may be heated together so as toform a liquid phase or a gaseous phase during which phases the waxes maybe mixed, if required. Once the waxes are mixed they may be cooled tobelow the melting point of the wax possessing the lowest melting pointin the liquid phase (where a gas phase is employed, this will be cooledto a liquid phase), forming a solid which may then be machined, such asby comminution, into particles of a pre-determined VMD as herein definedusing conventional procedures. Once the wax is in the form of particlesof a known VMD, the particles may be applied to plant seeds viaconventional means.

The flowability enhancement agent of use in the invention is applied toplant seeds in dry particulate form. The flowability enhancing agent maybe selected from organic materials selected from organic waxes having amelting point of ≧40, ≧50° C., more preferably of ≧60° C., and mostpreferably are made up of hard waxes having a melting point of ≧70° C.Suitable waxes for use in the invention include mineral waxes, syntheticwaxes and natural waxes as hereinbefore defined. Examples of waxes ofuse in the invention include carnauba wax, beeswax, Chinese wax, shellacwax, spermaceti wax, myricyl palmitate, cetyl palmitate, candelilla wax,castor wax, ouricury wax, wool wax, sugar cane wax, retamo wax, ricebran wax or a mixture of two or more thereof. Preferably, theflowability enhancement agent includes a substantial proportion ofcarnauba wax up to 100%, for example 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%,60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or any proportion thereinbetween, the rest being madeup of at least one other flowability enhancement agent as hereindefined. Preferably, the selected flowability enhancement agent is a waxselected from mineral waxes and natural waxes or a mixture of two ormore thereof such as carnauba wax, montan wax, paraffin wax or a mixtureof two or more thereof. Preferably the flowability enhancement agent isone of or a mixture of carnauba wax and montan wax. Most preferably, theflowability enhancement agent is carnauba wax.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that the waxes of use in theinvention may be applied simply as flowability enhancement agents perse, and in that form do not carry or contain an active agent such as apesticide, a growth enhancing agent or other agents such as afertiliser. Furthermore, the skilled addressee will appreciate thatflowability enhancement agents of use in the invention may be added toseed coats (testa) of uncoated or non-pelleted seed typically in theform of dry particles. The skilled addressee will also appreciate thatflowability enhancement agents of use in the invention may be added asan external layer on a conventional dry, pelleted seed or on aconventional dry, coated seed in the form of dry, free flowingparticles. In any context of addition of flowability enhancement agentsto coated, pelleted or uncoated plant seeds, the skilled addressee willappreciate that the flowability enhancing agent should be added to plantseeds in a dry particulate formulation or a powder formulation and notin a semi-liquid or a liquid form because it is envisaged that in eitherform, the flowability enhancing properties of such added agents arethought likely to be compromised. Naturally, the skilled addressee willappreciate that the viability of the plant seeds should not besignificantly adversely affected by the addition of flowabilityenhancing agent.

The skilled addressee will also appreciate that where active agents maybe added to flowability enhancing agents of use in the invention,effective amounts of active agent may be encapsulated or carried by theflowability enhancing agent but the level of such active agents shouldnot significantly interfere with the ability of the flowabilityenhancing agent to adhere to plant seeds or of the ability of theflowability enhancing agent to control dust drift. Flowability enhancingagents of the invention may include active agents that may make up to20% by mass of the particles, preferably up to about 10% by mass of theparticles, and most preferably from about 5%-8% by mass of theparticles. The choice of active agent that may be carried orencapsulated by a flowability enhancing particle of use in the inventionis selected by design. Suitable active agents that may be carried byparticles of use in the invention may be selected from pesticides,fertilizers, growth enhancing agents and the like.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided use of a dryparticulate free flowing formulation or composition in improving theflowability of seeds within a population of plant seeds, wherein theformulation or composition comprises at least a flowability enhancingagent that is made up of at least one species of electret particleselected from waxes, wherein the electret particles adhere more firmlyto individual plant seeds than do particles that comprise a dry freeflowing substance that is or includes a mineral earth component. Theparticles of wax of use in the invention comprise at least one speciesof wax selected from mineral waxes, natural waxes and synthetic waxes asdefined herein above. The selected wax comprises at least one species ofwax that has a melting temperature of ≧40° C., preferably a meltingtemperature of ≧50° C., and most preferably a melting temperature of≧70° C. In a preferment, the wax comprises at least one species of waxselected from carnauba wax, montan wax, and paraffin wax or a mixture oftwo or more thereof.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided use of aparticulate, free flowing formulation or composition in controlling dustdrift, preferably in reducing the level or amount of dust drift, from apopulation of plant seeds, wherein the particulate free flowingformulation or composition comprises at least a flowability enhancingagent made up of dry electret particles made of wax as herein definedthat are able to adhere to individual plant seeds more firmly than a dryparticulate compound or composition that is a free flowing flowabilityenhancing agent that comprises a substance that is a mineral earth orincludes a mineral earth component.

The particles of wax of use in controlling dust drift are selected fromat least one species of wax selected from mineral waxes, natural waxesand synthetic waxes as defined herein above. The selected wax comprisesat least one species of wax that has a melting temperature of ≧40° C.,preferably a melting temperature of ≧50° C., and most preferably amelting temperature of ≧70° C. In a preferment, the wax comprises atleast one species of wax selected from carnauba wax, montan wax, andparaffin wax or a mixture of two or more thereof. Most preferably, thewax is carnauba wax.

The size of the particles used in controlling dust drift typically havea volume mean diameter of any conventional size, such as up to 200 μm,preferably from 10-100 μm, and most preferably from 10-50 μm dependingon the type and size of plant seed that the particles are being appliedto. Generally, the particles of use in the invention possess a volumemean diameter of 10 μm, such as in the range of from ≧10 μm to 200 μm,for example from ≧10 μm to 100 μm; or from ≧10 μm to 40 μm; or from ≧10μm to 30 μm or any desired volume mean diameter value in between.Preferably, dry powder formulations or compositions of the inventioncomprise particles having a volume mean diameter of 10 μm, for exampleof 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, 15 μm and the like up to anyvolume mean diameter of choice, such as up to 200 μm or any volume meandiameter in between for example 40 μm or 30 μm. In one preferment,compositions of the invention comprise electret particles having avolume mean diameter of from about 12 μm to 200 μm. One advantage ofsuch formulations or compositions of the invention is that they areobserved to limit dust drift from the seeds.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method ofcontrolling dust drift from a population of plant seeds by placing theplant seeds of a mass of seeds in contact with dry free flowingparticles of a flowability enhancement agent made up of electretparticles made of a wax that adheres more firmly to plant seeds than adry particulate compound or composition that is a flowabilityenhancement agent that comprises a substance that is a mineral earth orincludes a mineral earth component.

In this aspect of the invention, the wax comprises at least one speciesof wax selected from mineral waxes, natural waxes and synthetic waxes.Preferably, the at least one species of wax is a wax that has a meltingtemperature of ≧40° C. More preferably, the species of wax is at leastone species of wax that has a melting temperature of ≧50° C. Morepreferably still, the at least one species of wax has a meltingtemperature of ≧70° C. Most preferably, the species of wax comprises atleast one species of wax selected from carnauba wax, montan wax, andparaffin wax or a mixture of two or more thereof.

Again, the size of the particles used in the method of controlling dustdrift typically have a volume mean diameter of any conventional size,such as up to 200 μm, preferably from 10-100 μm, and most preferablyfrom 10-50 μm depending on the type and size of plant seed that theparticles are being applied to. Generally, the particles of use in theinvention possess a volume mean diameter of ≧10 μm, such as in the rangeof from ≧10 μm to 200 μm, for example from ≧10 μm to 100 μm; or from ≧10μm to 40 μm; or from ≧10 μm to 30 μm or any desired volume mean diametervalue in between. Preferably, dry powder formulations or compositions ofthe invention comprise particles having a volume mean diameter of ≧10μm, for example of 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, 15 μm and the likeup to any volume mean diameter of choice, such as up to 200 μm or anyvolume mean diameter in between for example 40 μm or 30 μm. In onepreferment, compositions of the invention comprise electret particleshaving a volume mean diameter of from about 12 μm to 200 μm. Oneadvantage of such formulations or compositions of the invention is thatthey are observed to limit dust drift from the seeds.

There now follow examples and figures that illustrate the invention. Itis to be understood that the examples are not to be construed aslimiting the invention in any way.

FIG. 1: (Soya bean) Boxplot of Heubach Test Results

FIG. 2: (maize) Boxplot of Heubach Test results

FIG. 3: (wheat) Boxplot of Heubach Test Results (n=3) FIG. 4: (oilseedrape) Boxplot of Heubach Test Results

EXAMPLES SECTION 1. Soya Bean

Objective: to assess the adhesion properties for carnauba wax(Entostat™) at a range of loadings using soya bean seed (Glycine max)

Study Outline

The purpose of the study was two-fold: firstly, to assess the ability ofcarnauba wax particles to adhere to seed in a situation designed toreplicate a commercial seed sowing environment, and, secondly, todetermine a relationship between seed type, loading and adhesion. It isintended that the resulting data is applicable to a number of individualelements of the seed treatment project. Information regarding optimumloading can be combined with enumeration studies using microbial controlagents to indicate the potential for carnauba wax as a simple ‘dust-on”application method for biofungicides. It will also provide insight as tothe possibility of a role for carnauba wax in reformulation of existingchemical seed treatments, with special emphasis on the reduction ofdust-drift. Recent studies [Krupke, C. H. et al. Multiple Routes ofPesticide Exposure for Honey Bees Living Near Agricultural Fields. PLoSONE 7, e29268 (2012); Pistorius J. et al Bee Poisoning Incidents inGermany in Spring 2008 Caused by Abrasion of Active Substance fromTreated Seeds During Sowing of Maize. Julius-Kühn-Archly 423, (2009)]have identified that the drift of material from treated seeds duringsowing is responsible for large scale bee mortality.

The described method is intended to assess the amount of free floatingdust and abrasion particles of treated seeds under defined mechanicalstress conditions.

Treated seeds are mechanically stressed inside a rotating drum. A vacuumpump creates an air flow through the rotating drum, the connected glasscylinder and the attached filter unit. By the air flow, abraded dustparticles are transported out of the rotating drum through the glasscylinder and subsequently through the filter unit. Coarse non-floatingparticles are separated and collected in the glass cylinder whilefloating dust particles are deposited onto a filter. The amount offloating dust collected on the filter is determined gravimetrically.

Test Item Details

Steps in Air Milling in Boyes Micronisation Process (for carnauba waxparticles having a VMD of approx. 10 μm)

1. 2 kg carnauba wax blocks are first kibbled into approximately 4 to 6mm pieces in a KT Handling Ltd Model 04 kibbler (serial no. 729/C)following the manufacturer's instructions.2. The kibbled pieces are then passed through a Apex Construction LtdModel 314.2 Comminuting Mill (serial no. A21306) and reduced further insize to a range of 250 to 300 um.3. The comminuted particles are then passed through a Hosokawa MicronLtd Alpine 100AFG jet mill (serial no. 168092) following themanufacturer's instructions, setting the mill at a speed of 12500 rpm,with a positive system pressure of 0.03 bar.4. The grinding air is to be kept to 6 bar, the system rinsing air flowand Classifying Wheel gap rinsing air are both to be set at a minimum of0.5 bar and no more than 0.75 bar, the cleaning air filter is toregister a delta of no more than 5 bar to achieve a final particle sizewith a VMD of 9.58 um.

Carnauba wax was combined with soya bean seed at three loadings (seebelow).

Soya bean seed (Pripyat), supplied by Soya UK (West End, Hampshire).

Reference Item Details

-   -   Soya bean pre-treated with Thiraflo (Chemtura, Laurenceville,        USA)    -   Talc—Simple Talc, Unscented, Johnsons

Treatments

1. Soybean treated with 0.01% carnauba wax (by mass)2. Soybean treated with 0.1% carnauba wax (by mass)3. Soybean treated with 1% carnauba (by mass)4. Soybean treated with 1% Talc (by mass)5. Soybean, untreated

-   -   All treatments were replicated three times

Test System

Apparatus: An analytical balance (accuracy 0.1 mg). As the last digit ofa scale carries a larger error it is recommended to use a 5-decimalscale to achieve an accurate reading of the 4th decimal.

Heubach Dustmeter device (Heubach GmbH, Heubachstrasse 7, 38685Langelsheim, Germany)

-   -   Metal rotating drum    -   Glass cylinder    -   Non-electrostatic filter housing with conditioned glassfibre        filter disc (Whatman GF 92 or Macherey Nagel Type MN 85/70 BF,        or equivalent specification)    -   Drive & control unit with touchscreen control panel

Constant climate chamber (e.g. Binder, KBF 720)

Paper bags (not airtight)

Air ionizer (e.g. Sartorius, STAT-FAN YIB-01, or PRX U field ionizerfrom Haug GmbH, Germany, or equivalent)

Seed Counter (e.g. Pfeuffer, Contador or GTA Sensorik, Marvin, orequivalent)

Sample

A sample must consist of at least 500 g+/−5% of seeds. The thousandgrain weight (TGW) of the seeds is listed below:

Seed Type Thousand Grain Weight g (TGW) Soya bean 161

Samples were prepared in block bottom bags (1.4 kg) 150×32×310 mm. 250 gof seed were added, followed by the appropriate quantity of the requiredtreatment, before the final 250 g of seed were added. The bags were thenagitated for 20 seconds to ensure an even distribution of treatmentthroughout the seed sample. The bags were then labelled and sealed andsent to the test site at INCOTEC Analytical Lab Europe BV, Graanmarkt3a, 1681 PA Zwaagdijk-Oost, The Netherlands.

Sample Schedule

sample by mass number Crop Treatment % age (g) Replicate 1 Soybeanuntreated control n/a n/a 1 2 Soybean untreated control n/a n/a 2 3Soybean untreated control n/a n/a 3 4 Soybean Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 1 5Soybean Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 2 6 Soybean Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 3 7Soybean Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 1 8 Soybean Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 2 9 SoybeanEntostat ™ 0.1 0.5 3 10 Soybean Entostat ™ 1.0 5 1 11 Soybean Entostat ™1.0 5 2 12 Soybean Entostat ™ 1.0 5 3 13 Soybean Commercial n/a n/a 1 14Soybean Commercial n/a n/a 2 15 Soybean Commercial n/a n/a 3 16 SoybeanTalc 1.0 5 1 17 Soybean Talc 1.0 5 2 18 Soybean Talc 1.0 5 3

Commercial Seed Treatments Used:

Soybean Thiraflo

Procedure: use guidelines defined by European Seed Association STAT DustWorking Group, (Version 1.0, 23.03.2011).

Laboratory Conditions

The test has to be performed in a laboratory (separated from thetreating area) at 20° C. to 25° C. and 30% to 70% relative humiditywhich is free of free floating dust particles. Any other testing whichcould interfere with the analytical scales (electrostatics, vibrationsetc.) should be avoided.

Calibration

No calibration is necessary before measurement. It is recommended thatthe air flow rate, time of measurements and rotational settings arechecked on a routine basis (every 2-3 years) by the technical service ofthe manufacturer or an equivalent qualified technical service.

Apparatus Preparation

During initial installation of the Heubach equipment make sure that thesame is horizontally levelled.

After disconnecting the vacuum tube from the filter unit, the Heubachdevice is stepwise disassembled: the filter unit is removed and opened,the glass cylinder removed and finally the metal drum removed andopened.

Make sure that all components which are in contact with seed or dust(i.e. rotating drum, glass cylinder, and filter unit including rubberO-ring) have been thoroughly cleaned. Cleaning is routinely done using avacuum cleaner with a pointed nozzle.

Note: If the drum is either used for the first time in this test or hasbeen cleaned with alcohol there is a need to run 2 cycles with treatedseeds before starting the actual measurements on your samples. Thisensures a constant occupancy of the pores in the metal surface. Switchon the main power of the Heubach device min. 30 minutes before startingany measurement in order to allow proper warm-up of the flow meter. Forsetting the parameters on the control panel choose the program “UserMethod” in which the parameters are manually set to the values below. Itis recommended to set the parameters after full assembly of the device.

Parameter Settings

Rotation speed=30 [rpm]

Rotation time=120 s

Airflow rate=20 [litres per minute]

Sample Preparation

Prior to testing, seed samples are stored in a constant climate chamberfor at least 48 hours (2 days) at 20° C.±2° C. and at 50%±10% relativehumidity. To allow equilibration, seeds must be kept in paper bags (notairtight) when entering the climate chamber.

For obtaining a working sample a gentle method should be used to reducethe submitted sample in size to the size needed for the test. This toavoid damage to the treated seed which could lead to artificiallyenhanced dust levels. Examples of gentle methods are the modifiedhalving method, the spoon method and the hand halving method describedin the ISTA Rules.

Measurement

Carefully transfer (avoid dust) 100±1 grams of the conditioned seeds(weight seeds w_(S) [g]; accuracy: 0.01 gram) into the metal drum of theHeubach device, then correctly close and reassemble the drum and connectthe glass cylinder. The system has to be levelled perfectly horizontallyand no obstruction of the rotating parts and of the internal or externalairflow must take place.

The time for transferring and analysing the sample is to be kept asshort as possible in order to avoid a change in its relative humidity. Acontamination with non-seed dust particles must be excluded.

Place a glassfibre filter disc (Whatman GF 92 or similar specification)in the filter unit according to the description in the manual. Forequilibration with the laboratory conditions, the filter discs will bestored in an open box next to the Heubach device. In order to preventeffects resulting from electrostatic charging, the use of anon-electrostatic filter-housing offered by HEUBACH is compulsory touse. The filter unit including the filter disc is weighed (weight filterassembly w0 [g]; accuracy: 0.1 mg), placed on the glass cylinder andconnected to the vacuum tube.

On the control panel pre-select the “time” option. Start the rotationcycle by pressing “I” on the control panel. After completion of the run,the rotation must have fully stopped before any parts of the apparatusmay be disassembled. Remove the filter unit including the filter disccarefully from the glass cylinder and weigh it in the same manner asdescribed before (weight filter assembly w1 [g]; accuracy: 0.1 mg).

If significant amounts of dust have passed through the filter disc (byvisible inspection), the test must be stopped immediately and the filterunit checked for incorrect assembly or damages. If necessary, it has tobe replaced and the test has to be repeated.

The test has to be performed twice. After each measurement, theapparatus must be cleaned.

If the rotation speed (rpm) displayed on the control panel during themeasurement deviates more than ±10% from the pre-set value or if thetotal air volume sampled during the measurement deviates more than ±10%from the expected volume of 40 L (20 L/min for 2 min) the measurementhas to be redone.

As a back-up control for the air volume a separate flow-meter [e.g. DFMTyp SVB (Uniflux ¼″) from VAF-Fluid-Technik GmbH, Germany;www.vaf-fluidtechnik.de] can be inserted in the plastic air hose.

Evaluation and Calculation of Results

The Heubach dust value is expressed in g/100 kg of treated seeds.Depending on requirements and seed type tested, the result can be alsoexpressed in g/100,000 kernels, taking into account the Thousand SeedWeight (TSW) of the tested sample.

Use the following formula to convert the measured result to the Heubachdust value:

${{Heubach}\mspace{14mu} {dust}\mspace{14mu} {value}} = \begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{\left( {W_{1} - W_{0}} \right) \times \text{100,000}} \\{\cdots \left\lbrack {{g/100}\mspace{14mu} {kg}} \right\rbrack}\end{matrix} \\W_{S}\end{matrix}$

or alternatively expressed in g/100,000 kernels:

(W ₁ —W ₀)×100×TGW

Heubach dust value=[g/100,000 kernels] W_(S)wherein:W₁=weight of the loaded filter unit incl. filter disc [g]W₀=weight of the empty filter unit incl. filter disc [g]W_(S)=weight of the treated seeds [g]100,000=conversion factor a [ ]100=conversion factor b [ ]TGW=Thousand Grain Weight [g/1000 kernels]

The final result is the mean of the two measurements. If a thresholdvalue is defined the test must be repeated if one test result is higherthan 50% of the threshold value and if the two test results differ morethan 20% from each other. In case of experimental or voluntarilypurposes without a mandated threshold value (e.g. small seeded crops)the test must be repeated if the two test results differ more than 20%and at least one test result exceeds 1 g/100 kg. If both test resultsare below 1 g/100 kg and the two results differ more than 0.2 g the testmust be repeated.

Simultaneous Tests for General Linear Hypotheses

Source DF SS MS F P Treatment 5 6018.0 1203.6 21.78 >0.0001 Error 12663.2 55.3 Total 17 6681.2

Multiple Comparisons of Means: Tukey Contrasts

Grouping Information Using Tukey Method

Treatment N Mean Grouping Soya beanTalc1 3 50.370 A Soya beanEnto1 35.495 B Soya beancontrol 3 0.668 B Soya beanEnt0.1 3 0.590 B SoyabeanEnt0.01 3 0.536 B Soya beanComm 3 0.442 B

Means that do not share a letter are significantly different.

Fit: aov (formula=MeanDust˜Crop, data=Soybean)

Linear Hypotheses:

Std. Estimate Error t value Pr(>|t|) Soyacontrol − SoyaComm 0.226336.06997 0.037 1.000 SoyaEnt0.01 − SoyaComm 0.09433 6.06997 0.016 1.000SoyaEnt0.1 − SoyaComm 0.14800 6.06997 0.024 1.000 SoyaEnto1 − SoyaComm5.05333 6.06997 0.833 0.955 SoyaTalc1 − SoyaComm 49.92833 6.06997 8.225<1e−04 *** SoyaEnt0.01 − Soyac'trl 0.13200 6.06997 −0.022 1.000SoyaEnt0.1 − Soyac'trl 0.07833 6.06997 −0.013 1.000 SoyaEnt1 − Soyac'trl4.82700 6.06997 0.795 0.963 SoyaTalc1 − Soyac'trl 49.70200 6.06997 8.188<1e−04 *** SoyaEnt0.1 − SoyaEnt0.01 0.05367 6.06997 0.009 1.000SoyaEnto1 − SoyaEnt0.01 4.95900 6.06997 0.817 0.959 SoyaTalc1 −SoyaEnt0.01 49.83400 6.06997 8.210 <1e−04 *** SoyaEnt1 − SoyaEnt0.14.90533 6.06997 0.808 0.960 SoyaTalc1 − SoyaEnt0.1 49.78033 6.069978.201 <1e−04 *** SoyaTalc1 − SoyaEnto1 44.87500 6.06997 7.393 <1e−04 ***Signif. codes: 0 ‘***’ Results are shown in FIG. 1

Method for Assessing Flowability/Plantability

Seed treatments are assessed to measure their impact on the plantabilityand flowability of the treated seed. “Plantability” relates to ameasurement of sowing inaccuracies, such as, seed dropping failures anddouble seed drops occurring within a predetermined distance or area.“Flowability” refers to the treated seeds ability to flow or movethrough a typical planting process using conventional sowing equipment.Clogging and clumping of seeds that may occur through the sowing processis a factor that affects the efficiency of flowability of seed. Ifclumping and clogging occurs it can lead to an uneven stand of crops.Internal friction angles and the flowability index (the ratio of thehighest consolidation stress and unconfined yield strength) of thematerial are measured.

The coefficient of uniformity for the Entostat treated seed is comparedto that of untreated and commercially treated seed (polymer-coated andtalc).

SGS Crop and Seed Services (Geneva, Switzerland) provide a testingservice for the determination of flowability/plantability of seed to thepublic in accordance with standardised protocols that are widelyacceptable to the seed industry.

Results

Differences in flowability/plantability from the treated soya bean seedare observed relative to controls.

2. Perennial Rye Grass

Objective: to assess the adhesion properties for carnauba wax(Entostat™) at a range of loadings using seeds of perennial rye grass(Lolium perenne).

Study Outline

Same as for example 1 (soya bean).

Test Item Details

Steps in air milling are the same as for soya bean (above) with theexception that carnauba wax was combined with perennial rye grass seedat three loadings (see below).

Perennial rye grass seed was supplied by Herbiseeds Ltd. (Twyford, UK)

Reference Item Details

-   -   Perennial rye grass seed pre-treated with Advance, thiazole        (Chemtura Agrosolutions)    -   Talc—Simple Talc, unscented, Johnsons

Treatments

-   -   1. Rye grass seed treated with 0.01% carnauba wax (by mass)    -   2. Rye grass seed treated with 0.1% carnauba wax (by mass)    -   3. Rye grass seed treated with 1% carnauba wax (by mass)    -   4. Rye grass seed treated with 1% Talc (by mass)    -   5. Rye grass seed, untreated    -   All treatments were replicated three times

Test System

Apparatus: same as for soya bean example 1.

Sample

A sample must consist of at least 500 g+/−5% of seeds. The thousandgrain weight (TGW) of the seeds is listed below:

Seed Type Thousand Grain Weight g (TGW) Rye grass seed 1.5

Samples are prepared in block bottom bags (1.4 kg) 150×32×310 mm. 250 gof seed is added, followed by the appropriate quantity of the requiredtreatment, before the final 250 g of seed is added. The bags are thenagitated for 20 seconds to ensure an even distribution of treatmentthroughout the seed sample. The bags are then labelled and sealed andare sent to the test site.

Sample Schedule

Sample No. Crop Treatment % by mass Replicate 1 Rye untreated controln/a n/a 1 2 Rye untreated control n/a n/a 2 3 Rye untreated control n/an/a 3 4 Rye Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 1 5 Rye Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 2 6 RyeEntostat ™  0.01 0.05 3 7 Rye Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 1 8 Rye Entostat ™ 0.10.5 2 9 Rye Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 3 10 Rye Entostat ™ 1.0 5 1 11 RyeEntostat ™ 1.0 5 2 12 Rye Entostat ™ 1.0 5 3 13 Rye Commercial n/a n/a 114 Rye Commercial n/a n/a 2 15 Rye Commercial n/a n/a 3 16 Rye Talc 1.05 1 17 Rye Talc 1.0 5 2 18 Rye Talc 1.0 5 3

Commercial Seed Treatments

Rye grass Advance, thiazole

PROCEDURE: see guidelines defined by European Seed Association STAT DustWorking Group, (Version 1.0, 23.03.2011)

Laboratory Conditions

The test is performed in a laboratory (separated from the treating area)at 20° C. to 25° C. and 30% to 70% relative humidity, free of freefloating dust particles.

Calibration

No calibration is necessary before measurement. It is recommended thatthe air flow rate, time of measurements and rotational settings arechecked on a routine basis (every 2-3 years) by the technical service ofthe manufacturer or an equivalent qualified technical service.

Apparatus Preparation

Same as for example 1 (soya bean).

Parameter Settings

Same as for example 1 (soya bean).

Sample Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Measurement

Same as for example 1.

Evaluation and Calculation of Results

Same as for example 1.

Method for Assessing Flowability/Plantability

Same as for example 1.

Results

Differences in flowability/plantability from the treated rye grass seedare observed relative to controls.

3. Cotton

Objective: to assess the adhesion properties for Entostat™ at a range ofloadings using seed types: cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

Study Outline

Same as for example 1.

Test Item Details

Steps in air milling are the same as for soya bean (above) with theexception that carnauba wax (Entostat™) was combined with cotton seed atthree loadings (see below).

Cotton seed (MRC 270, non-GMO) was supplied by MRC Seeds (Houston, Tex.,USA).

Reference Item Details

-   -   Cotton seed pre-treated with Headline—F500 (BASF Agro, Germany),        supplied by MRC seeds, Houston, Tex., USA    -   Talc—simple talc, unscented, Johnsons

Treatments

-   -   1. Cotton seed treated with 0.01% carnauba wax (by mass)    -   2. Cotton seed treated with 0.1% carnauba wax (by mass)    -   3. Cotton Seed treated with 1% carnauba wax (by mass)    -   4. Cotton Seed treated with 1% Talc (by mass)    -   5. Cotton Seed, untreated

All treatments were replicated three times

Test System

Apparatus: same as for example 1.

Sample

A sample must consist of at least 500 g+/−5% of seeds. The thousandgrain weight (TGW) of the seeds is listed below:

Seed Type Thousand Grain Weight g (TGW) Cotton 125

Samples are prepared as in example 1.

Sample Schedule

sample number Crop Treatment % age by mass Replicate 1 Cotton untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 1 2 Cotton untreated control n/a n/a 2 3 Cottonuntreated control n/a n/a 3 4 Cotton Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 1 5 CottonEntostat ™  0.01 0.05 2 6 Cotton Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 3 7 CottonEntostat ™ 0.1 0.5 1 8 Cotton Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 2 9 Cotton Entostat ™0.1 0.5 3 10 Cotton Entostat ™ 1.0 5 1 11 Cotton Entostat ™ 1.0 5 2 12Cotton Entostat ™ 1.0 5 3 13 Cotton Commercial n/a n/a 1 14 CottonCommercial n/a n/a 2 15 Cotton Commercial n/a n/a 3 16 Cotton Talc 1.0 51 17 Cotton Talc 1.0 5 2 18 Cotton Talc 1.0 5 3

Commercial Seed Treatments

Cotton Headline—F500

Procedure: see guidelines defined by European Seed Association STAT DustWorking Group, (Version 1.0, 23.03.2011)

Laboratory Conditions

The test is performed in a laboratory (separated from the treating area)at 20° C. to 25° C. and 30% to 70% relative humidity which is free offree floating dust particles.

Calibration

Same as for example 1.

Apparatus Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Parameter Settings

Same as for example 1.

Sample Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Measurement

Same as for example 1.

Evaluation and Calculation of Results

Same as for example 1.

Method for Assessing Flowability/Plantability

Same as for example 1.

Results

Differences in flowability/plantability from treated cotton seed areobserved relative to controls.

4. Maize

Objective: to assess the adhesion properties of Entostat® (ExosectLimited) at a range of loadings using maize (Zea mays) seed.

Study Outline

The same as that for example 1.

Test Item Details

Steps in Air Milling are the same as for example 1 except that Entostat™was combined with maize seed at three loadings (see below).

Maize seed (DUO maize) was supplied by Bright Seeds Ltd. (Burcombe,Wiltshire)

Reference Item Details

-   -   Maize seed pre-treated with Poncho, (Bayer CropScience AG,        Monheim am Rhein, Germany)    -   Talc—Simple Talc, Unscented, Johnsons

Treatments

-   -   1. Maize treated with 0.01% Entostat™ (by mass)    -   2. Maize treated with 0.1% Entostat™ (by mass)    -   3. Maize treated with 1% Entostat™ (by mass)    -   4. Maize treated with 1% Talc (by mass)    -   5. Maize, untreated    -   All treatments were replicated three times

Test System

Apparatus: same as that used in example 1.

Sample

A sample must consist of at least 500 g+/−5% of seeds. The thousandgrain weight (TGW) of the seeds is listed below:

Seed Type Thousand Grain Weight g (TGW) Maize 380

Samples were prepared in block bottom bags as in example 1, and sent offto The Netherlands for testing.

Sample Schedule

sample number Crop Treatment % age by mass Replicate 1 Maize untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 1 2 Maize untreated control n/a n/a 2 3 Maize untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 3 4 Maize Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 1 5 Maize Entostat ™ 0.01 0.05 2 6 Maize Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 3 7 Maize Entostat ™ 0.1 0.51 8 Maize Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 2 9 Maize Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 3 10 MaizeEntostat ™ 1.0 5 1 11 Maize Entostat ™ 1.0 5 2 12 Maize Entostat ™ 1.0 53 13 Maize Commercial n/a n/a 1 14 Maize Commercial n/a n/a 2 15 MaizeCommercial n/a n/a 3 16 Maize Talc 1.0 5 1 17 Maize Talc 1.0 5 2 18Maize Talc 1.0 5 3

Commercial Seed Treatments Used

Maize Poncho

Procedure: use guidelines defined by European Seed Association STAT DustWorking Group (Version 1.0, 23.03.2011).

Laboratory Conditions

Same as for example 1.

Calibration

Same as for example 1.

Apparatus Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Parameter Settings

Same as for example 1.

Sample Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Measurement

Same as for example 1.

Evaluation and Calculation of Results

Same as for example 1.

Results are shown in FIG. 2

Simultaneous Tests for General Linear Hypotheses

Source DF SS MS F P Crop 5 9001.2 1800.2 71.73 >0.0001 Error 12 301.225.1 Total 17 9302.4

Multiple Comparisons of Means: Tukey Contrasts

Grouping Information Using Tukey Method

Crop N Mean Grouping MaizeTalc1 3 61.014 A MaizeEnt1 3 22.872 BMaizeEnt0.1 3 1.620 C MaizeComm 3 0.537 C MaizeEnt0.01 3 0.386 CMaizecontrol 3 0.121 C

Means that do not share a letter are significantly different.

Linear Hypotheses:

Std. Estimate Error t value Pr(>|t|) Maizecont − MaizeComm 0.416 4.0900.102 1.000 MaizeEnt0.01 − MaizeComm 0.151 4.090 0.037 1.000 MaizeEnt0.1−MaizeComm 1.083 4.090 0.265 0.999 MaizeEnt1 − MaizeComm 22.335 4.0905.460 0.001** MaizeTalc1 − MaizeComm 60.476 4.090 14.785 <0.001***MaizeEnt0.01 − Maizecont 0.265 4.090 0.065 1.000 MaizeEnt0.1 − Maizecont1.499 4.090 0.367 0.998 MaizeEnt1 − Maizecont 22.751 4.090 5.562 0.001**MaizeTalc1 − Maizecont 60.893 4.090 14.887 <0.001*** MaizeEnt0.1 −MaizeEnt0.01 1.234 4.090 0.302 0.999 MaizeEnt1 − MaizeEnt0.01 22.4864.090 5.497 0.001** MaizeTalc1 − MaizeEnt0.01 60.628 4.090 14.822<0.001*** MaizeEnt1 − MaizeEnt0.1 21.252 4.090 5.196 0.002** MaizeTalc1− MaizeEnt0.1 59.393 4.090 14.520 <0.001*** MaizeTalc1 − MaizeEnt138.141 4.090 9.325 <0.001*** Statistical significance codes: 0***0.001**

Method for Assessing Flowability/Plantability

Same as that used in example 1.

Results

Differences in flowability/plantability from the treated maize seed areobserved relative to controls.

5. Wheat

Objective: to assess the adhesion properties for carnauba wax(Entostat™, Exosect Ltd) at a range of loadings using wheat seed(Triticum aestivum).

Study Outline

The same as that described in example 1.

Test Item Details

Steps in Air Milling are the same as those used in example 1 except thatEntostat™ was combined with wheat seed at three loadings (see below).Wheat seed was supplied by a local farmer.

Reference Item Details

-   -   Wheat pre-treated with Kinto (BASF SE, Limburgerhof, Germany)    -   Talc—Simple Talc, Unscented, Johnsons

Treatments

-   -   1. Wheat treated with 0.01% Entostat™ (by mass)    -   2. Wheat treated with 0.1% Entostat™ (by mass)    -   3. Wheat treated with 1% Entostat™ (by mass)    -   4. Wheat treated with 1% Talc (by mass)    -   5. Wheat, untreated    -   All treatments were replicated three times

Test System

Apparatus: same as that used in example 1.

Sample

A sample must consist of at least 500 g+/−5% of seeds. The thousandgrain weight (TGW) of the seeds is listed below:

Seed Type Thousand Grain Weight g (TGW) Wheat 50

Samples were prepared as in example 1 and sent for testing in TheNetherlands (see example 1).

Sample Schedule

sample number Crop Treatment % age by mass Replicate 1 Wheat untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 1 2 Wheat untreated control n/a n/a 2 3 Wheat untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 3 4 Wheat Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 1 5 Wheat Entostat ™ 0.01 0.05 2 6 Wheat Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 3 7 Wheat Entostat ™ 0.1 0.51 8 Wheat Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 2 9 Wheat Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 3 10 WheatEntostat ™ 1.0 5 1 11 Wheat Entostat ™ 1.0 5 2 12 Wheat Entostat ™ 1.0 53 13 Wheat Commercial n/a n/a 1 14 Wheat Commercial n/a n/a 2 15 WheatCommercial n/a n/a 3 16 Wheat Talc 1.0 5 1 17 Wheat Talc 1.0 5 2 18Wheat Talc 1.0 5 3

Commercial Seed Treatments Used

Wheat Kinto

Procedure: see guidelines defined by European Seed Association STAT DustWorking Group, (Version 1.0, 23.03.2011)

Laboratory Conditions

The test is performed in a laboratory (separated from the treating area)at 20° C. to 25° C. and 30% to 70% relative humidity which is free offree floating dust particles. Any other testing which could interferewith the analytical scales (electrostatics, vibrations etc.) should beavoided.

Calibration

Same as for example 1.

Apparatus Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Parameter Settings

Same as for example 1.

Sample Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Measurement

Same as for example 1.

Evaluation and Calculation of Results

Same as for example 1.

Results are shown in FIG. 3.

Simultaneous Tests for General Linear Hypotheses

Source DF SS MS F P Treatment 5 14705.2 2941.0 223.74 >0.0001 Error 12157.7 13.1 Total 17 14862.9

Multiple Comparisons of Means: Tukey Contrasts Grouping InformationUsing Tukey Method

Treatment N Mean Grouping WheatTalc1 3 83.299 A WheatEnt1 3 33.020 BWheatEnt0.1 3 16.002 C WheatEnt0.01 3 5.651 D Wheatcontrol 3 3.229 DWheatComm 3 2.276 D

Means that do not share a letter are significantly different.

Linear Hypotheses:

Std. Estimate Error t value Pr(>|t|) Wheatcontrol − WheatComm 0.9532.960 0.322 0.999  WheatEnt0.01 − WheatComm 3.375 2.960 1.140 0.855 WheatEnt0.1 − WheatComm 13.726 2.960 4.637  0.005 ** WheatEnt1 −WheatComm 30.744 2.960 10.385 <0.001*** WheatTalc1 − WheatComm 81.0232.960 27.370 <0.001*** WheatEnt0.01 − Wheatcont 2.422 2.960 0.818 0.958 WheatEnt0.1 − Wheatcont 12.773 2.960 4.315  0.009 ** WheatEnt1 −Wheatcont 29.791 2.960 10.063 <0.001*** WheatTalc1 − Wheatcont 80.0702.960 27.048 <0.001*** WheatEnt0.1 − WheatEnt0.01 10.351 2.960 3.4970.039 *  WheatEnt1 − WheatEnt0.01 27.369 2.960 9.245 <0.001***WheatTalc1 − WheatEnt0.01 77.648 2.960 26.230 <0.001*** WheatEnt1 −WheatEnt0.1 17.018 2.960 5.749 <0.001*** WheatTalc1 − WheatEnt0.1 67.2972.960 22.733 <0.001*** WheatTalc1 − WheatEnt1 50.279 2.960 16.984<0.001*** Statistical significance codes: 0*** 0.001 ** 0.01 *

Method for Assessing Flowability/Plantability

Same as for example 1.

Results

Differences in flowability/plantability from the treated wheat seed areobserved relative to controls.

6. Oilseed Rape (OSR)

Objective: to assess the adhesion properties for Entostat at a range ofloadings using oilseed rape (Brassica napus).

Study Outline

Same as for example 1.

Test Item Details

Steps in Air Milling are the same as for example 1 with the exceptionthat Entostat was combined with oilseed rape seed at three loadings (seebelow). Oilseed Rape seed (Sesame, LS Plant Breeding) was supplied byEbbage Seeds Ltd. (Downham Market, Norfolk)

Reference Item Details

-   -   Oilseed Rape (Sesame, LS Plant Breeding) pre-treated with        Modesto (Bayer CropScience AG, Monheim am Rhein, Germany)    -   Talc—Simple Talc, Unscented, Johnsons

Treatments

-   -   1. Oilseed Rape Treated with 0.01% Entostat (by Mass)    -   2. Oilseed Rape treated with 0.1% Entostat (by mass)    -   3. Oilseed Rape treated with 1% Entostat (by mass)    -   4. Oilseed Rape treated with 1% Talc (by mass)    -   5. Oilseed Rape, untreated All treatments were replicated three        times

Test System

Apparatus: same as that used in example 1.

Sample

A sample must consist of at least 500 g+/−5% of seeds. The thousandgrain weight (TGW) of the seeds is listed below:

Seed Type Thousand Grain Weight g (TGW) Oilseed Rape 2.9

Samples were prepared in block bottom bags as described in example 1,and tested in The Netherlands.

Sample Schedule

sample number Crop Treatment % age by mass Replicate 1 OSR untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 1 2 OSR untreated control n/a n/a 2 3 OSR untreatedcontrol n/a n/a 3 4 OSR Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 1 5 OSR Entostat ™  0.010.05 2 6 OSR Entostat ™  0.01 0.05 3 7 OSR Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 1 8 OSREntostat ™ 0.1 0.5 2 9 OSR Entostat ™ 0.1 0.5 3 10 OSR Entostat ™ 1.0 51 11 OSR Entostat ™ 1.0 5 2 12 OSR Entostat ™ 1.0 5 3 13 OSR Commercialn/a n/a 1 14 OSR Commercial n/a n/a 2 15 OSR Commercial n/a n/a 3 16 OSRTalc 1.0 5 1 17 OSR Talc 1.0 5 2 18 OSR Talc 1.0 5 3 Commercial SeedTreatments Used: Modesto on oilseed rape

Procedure: see the guidelines defined by European Seed Association STATDust Working Group, (Version 1.0, 23.03.2011).

Laboratory Conditions

The test was performed in a laboratory (separated from the treatingarea) at 20° C. to 25° C. and 30% to 70% relative humidity free of freefloating dust particles.

Calibration

No calibration is necessary before measurement. Air flow rate, time ofmeasurements and rotational settings are checked on a routine basis(every 2-3 years) by the technical service of the manufacturer or anequivalent qualified technical service.

Apparatus Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Parameter Settings

Same as for example 1.

Sample Preparation

Same as for example 1.

Measurement

Same as for example 1.

Evaluation and Calculation of Results

Same as for example 1.

Results are shown in FIG. 4.

Simultaneous Tests for General Linear Hypotheses

Source DF SS MS F P Treatment 5 3426.83 685.37 76.66 >0.0001 Error 12107.28 8.94 Total 17 3534.11

Multiple Comparisons of Means: Tukey Contrasts

Grouping Information Using Tukey Method

Treatment N Mean Grouping OSRTalc1 3 37.339 A OSREnto1 3 0.589 B OSRComm3 0.576 B OSRcontrol 3 0.260 B OSREnto0.1 3 0.088 B OSREnto0.01 3 0.083B

Means that do not share a letter are significantly different.

Linear Hypotheses:

Std. Estimate Error t value Pr(>|t|) OSRcont − OSRComm 0.316 2.441 0.1301.000 OSREnt0.01 − OSRComm 0.493 2.441 0.202 1.000 OSREnt0.1 − OSRComm0.488 2.441 0.200 1.000 OSREnt1 − OSRComm 0.013 2.441 0.005 1.000OSRTalc1 − OSRComm 36.762 2.441 15.059 <1e−06*** OSREnt0.01 − OSRcont0.176 2.441 0.072 1.000 OSREnt0.1 − OSRcont 0.172 2.441 0.071 1.000OSREnt1 − OSRcont 0.329 2.441 0.135 1.000 OSRTalc1 − OSRcont 37.0782.441 15.188 <1e−06*** OSREnt0.1 − OSREnt0.01 0.004 2.441 0.002 1.000OSREnt1 − OSREnt0.01 0.506 2.441 0.207 1.000 OSRTalc1 − OSREnt0.0137.255 2.441 15.261 <1e−06*** OSREnt1 − OSREnt0.1 0.501 2.441 0.2051.000 OSRTalc1 − OSREnt0.1 37.251 2.441 15.259 <1e−06*** OSRTalc1 −OSREnt1 36.749 2.441 15.053 <1e−06*** Statistical significance code:0*** Ent = Entostal ® Trade mark of Exosect Limited for carnauba waxparticles OSRCOmm = commercial oilseed rape seed OSRcont = oilseed rapecontrol

Method for Assessing Flowability/Plantability

Same as that for example 1.

Results

Differences in flowability/plantability from treated oilseed rape seedare observed relative to controls.

1. A composition of flowable plant seeds comprising a flowabilityenhancing agent that is made up of at least one species of electretparticle selected from waxes and plant seeds, wherein the electretparticles adhere more firmly to individual plant seeds than do particlesthat comprise a dry free flowing substance that is or includes a mineralearth component.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein theelectret particles are formed of at least one species of wax selectedfrom mineral waxes, natural waxes and synthetic waxes.
 3. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the wax comprises at least onespecies of wax that has a melting temperature of ≧40° C.
 4. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the wax comprises at least onespecies of wax that has a melting temperature of ≧50° C.
 5. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the wax comprises at least onespecies of wax that has a melting temperature of ≧70° C.
 6. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the wax comprises at least onespecies of wax selected from carnauba wax, montan wax and paraffin waxor a mixture of two or more thereof.
 7. The composition according toclaim 1, wherein the plant seeds are selected from seeds from the groupconsisting of fodder and forage plant seeds, cereal seeds, cotton seeds,legume plant seeds, maize seeds, and field crop plant seeds.
 8. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the electret particles of waxhave a volume mean diameter of any conventional size in the range fromabout 10 μm to 200 μm.
 9. The composition according to claim 1, whereinthe plant seeds are selected from seeds of rice (Oryza sativa), wheat(Triticum spp. such as T. aestivum) including species such as spelt (T.spelta), einkorn (T monococcum), emmer (T. dicoccum) and durum (T.durum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) including two row and six row barley,sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), millet species such as pearl millet(Pennisetum glaucum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), proso millet(Panicum miliaceum) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana), oats (Avenasativa), rye (Seca/e cereale), Triticale (x Triticosecale), buckwheat(Fagopyrum escuientum); seeds of Lolium spp, and the forage herbs suchas chicory, Sheep's Burnett, Ribgrass (aka Robwort Plantain), Sainfoin,Yarrow, Sheep's Parsley; seeds of gossypium spp. Of the familyMalvaceae; seeds of legume species of the family Fabaceae; seeds of Zeamays spp. and varieties thereof: and seeds of field crop plants selectedfrom seeds of the Crucifer family; seeds of alliums, and seeds ofcapsicums, tomatoes, cucurbits such as cucumbers, cantaloupes, summersquashes, pumpkins, butternut squashes, tropical pumpkins, calabazas,winter squashes, watermelons, lettuces, zucchinis (courgettes),aubergines, carrots, parsnips, swedes, turnips, sugar beet, ceieriacs,Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, bok choi, celery, Chinese cabbage,horse radish, musk melons, parsley, radish, spinach, beetroot for tableconsumption, linseed, sunflower, safflower, sesame, carob, coriander,mustard, grape, flax, dika, hemp, okra, poppy, castor, jojoba, speciesof the Poaceae, including Lolium spp. Festuca spp., and forage herbspecies.
 10. A method of applying a coating of a flowability agent to aplant seed comprising the steps of:— i. providing organic material as adry powder formulation of separate particles of predetermined volumemean diameter; and ii. applying the particles to plant seeds, whereinthe dry powder formulation comprises free flowing particles of aflowability enhancement agent made up of electret particles made of awax that adheres more firmly to plant seeds than does a dry particulatecompound or composition that is a flowability enhancement agent thatcomprises a substance that is a mineral earth or includes a mineralearth component.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein theelectret particles are formed of at least one species of wax selectedfrom mineral waxes, natural waxes and synthetic waxes.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the wax comprises at least one species ofwax that has a melting temperature of ≧40° C.
 13. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein the wax comprises at least one species of wax thathas a melting temperature of ≧50° C.
 14. The method according to claim10, wherein the wax comprises at least one species of wax selected fromcarnauba wax, montan wax and paraffin wax or a mixture of two or morethereof.
 15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plant seedsare selected from seeds from the group consisting of fodder and forageplant seeds, cereal seeds, cotton seeds, legume plant seeds, maizeseeds, and field crop plant seeds.
 16. The method according to claim 10,wherein the electret particles of wax have a volume mean diameter of anyconventional size in the range from about 10 μm to 200 μm.
 17. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the plant seeds are selected fromseeds of rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum spp. such as T. aestivum)including species such as spelt (T. spelta), einkorn (T monococcum),emmer (T. dicoccum) and durum (T. durum), barley (Hordeum vulgare)including two row and six row barley, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), milletspecies such as pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), foxtail millet(Setaria italica), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and finger millet(Eleusine coracana), oats (Avena sativa), rye (Seca/e cereale),Triticale (x Triticosecale), buckwheat (Fagopyrum escuientum); seeds ofLolium spp, and the forage herbs such as chicory, Sheep's Burnett,Ribgrass (aka Robwort Plantain), Sainfoin, Yarrow, Sheep's Parsley;seeds of gossypium spp. Of the family Malvaceae; seeds of legume speciesof the family Fabaceae; seeds of Zea mays spp. and varieties thereof:and seeds of field crop plants selected from seeds of the Cruciferfamily; seeds of alliums, and seeds of capsicums, tomatoes, cucurbitssuch as cucumbers, cantaloupes, summer squashes, pumpkins, butternutsquashes, tropical pumpkins, calabazas, winter squashes, watermelons,lettuces, zucchinis (courgettes), aubergines, carrots, parsnips, swedes,turnips, sugar beet, ceieriacs, Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, bokchoi, celery, Chinese cabbage, horse radish, musk melons, parsley,radish, spinach, beetroot for table consumption, linseed, sunflower,safflower, sesame, carob, coriander, mustard, grape, flax, dika, hemp,okra, poppy, castor, jojoba, species of the Poaceae, including Loliumspp. Festuca spp., and forage herb species.
 18. A method of coating aplant seed with a coating composition that comprises a flowabilityenhancing agent comprising the steps of:— i. providing at least oneflowability enhancing agent suitable for coating plant seeds; ii.heating the flowability enhancing agent so as to form a liquid phase ora gaseous phase; iii. cooling the liquid phase or gaseous phase of ii)to below the melting point of the flowability enhancing agent, forming asolid; iv. machining the solid flowability enhancing agent of step iii)into particles of a predetermined volume mean diameter; and v. applyingthe particles of iv) to plant seeds wherein the flowability enhancementagent is made up of electret particles made of a wax that adheres morefirmly to plant seeds than a dry particulate compound or compositionthat is a flowability enhancement agent that comprises a substance thatis a mineral earth or includes a mineral earth component.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the wax comprises at least one species ofwax that has a melting temperature of ≧50° C.
 20. The method accordingto claim 19, wherein the wax comprises at least one species of waxselected from carnauba wax, montan wax and paraffin wax or a mixture oftwo or more thereof.